Earlier on Thursday, Formula 1’s governing body, FIA responded to criticism that the Aston Martin safety car was driven too slow during races.
Only last week, reigning F1 world champion Max Verstappen grabbed headlines for taking a sly dig at the Aston Martin safety car. The Dutchman compared the safety car to moving as slow as a turtle this season and admitted that the car was lapping too slowly at the Australian GP, which he himself failed to finish.
Verstappen also stated that the Mercedes safety and medical cars from last year were quicker than the two cars made by Aston Martin this year. “The Mercedes car was much quicker than the Aston Martin. It needs more grip. But because of that our tyres get really cold during the race,” explained the Red Bull driver.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who has already won two of the three races this year also claimed that the car was moving a tad slower than usual ahead of him. Even George Russell admitted that the safety car was travelling too slow for the drivers to keep their tyre temperatures at an optimum level.
FIA comes to the defence of F1 safety car
However, the FIA has come out in defence of the Aston Martin Safety Car, insisting that the primary function of the safety car is not to go fast. “The FIA would like to reiterate that the primary function of the safety car is of course not outright speed, but the safety of the drivers, marshals and officials.” the FIA said in a statement
More so, the impact of the safety car on the F1 cars is secondary as it would impact all drivers. But the safety is of everyone on track is of paramount importance. The Aston Martin safety car can travel from 0-100 Kmph in just 4.5 seconds. It also has a top speed of 290 Kmph.
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